January

This annual ritual draws hundreds of participants and onlookers each year. The Polar Bear Plunge is becoming a destination spot for the holiday. Participants come from as far away as Germany, Tokyo, Chicago, and British Columbia to plunge in to the bay’s chilly water.Â Birch Bay | Jan. 1, 2017

Celebrate New Yearâ€™s Day with a quick chilly dip in the swim area at Lake Padden, then enjoy some coffee and hot cocoa to help everyone stay warm.Â Before the Dip join us for the Resolution Run-Walk around beautiful Lake Padden (2.6 mile loop).Â Lake Padden, Bellingham | Jan. 1, 2017

February

This 10-day film festival features 20 documentary films shown for free admission in February with post screening discussions led by the film makers and/or local people who are involved with the issues raised by the films.Â Opening night is held at the Pickford Film Center and showings continue for the next 9 days at Fairhaven College Auditoriam and other venues in Whatcom County.Â This film festival has been recognized by â€śAudience Awardsâ€ť as one of nine â€śfilm festivals that make a difference in the U.S.â€ť Bellingham| Feb. 16-25, 2017

March

The largest home show north of Seattle. Come see the biggest and best display of products for your home and garden in Northwest Washington. With over 200 vendors there is something for everyone. Lynden | Mar.Â 2017

The Wings Over Water Birding Festival in Blaine celebrates the incredible variety of migratory birds which flock to Drayton Harbor and Semiahmoo Bay each winter and spring. Visit the festival for a day-long birding expo with free activities for the whole family, including wildlife demonstrations, bird viewing stations, exhibits, displays, craft vendors and more. For a small fee wildlife cruises of Drayton Harbor are available on the MV Plover Ferry.Â Blaine | Mar. Â 2017

Join local and regional brewers as they share their micro-brews for a fundraising event befitting The Max Higbee Center, a nonprofit agency that provides recreational oppertunities for teens and adults with developmental disabilities. Admission includes a collectable tasting glass and beer tickets for tasting beer. Local talent by various bands will be there, as well as food from some of Bellingham’s finest food trucks. Â Depot Market Square, Bellingham | April 2017

The Back2Bellingham Weekend is a Western Washington University alumni event filled with over 100 offerings that provide opportunities to reconnect with classmates, friends, faculty, staff, and students while taking advantage of diverse activities designed to help you reconnect with Western. The weekend is also a great time to share your Western Experience and the fun of the weekend with your family. Bellingham | May 19 – 21, 2017

The Welding Rodeo features an array of industry vendor booths, forged items, public welding opportunities and the up close and personal view of welding and art in action.Â Friday showcases 10 Amateur or High School/College level teams, and Saturday showcases 10 Professional level teams competing for prizes and cash over eight hours. The public is invited both days. BTC campus, Bellingham | May 2017

Bellinghamâ€™s annual Ski to Sea Race is a 93.5-mile, 8-person relay encompassing seven different sports from the snowfields of Mount Baker, down Highway 542 and the Nooksack River and across Bellingham Bay via downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, running, canoeing, bike riding and kayaking. The Fairhaven Festival is near the Ski to Sea race finish line, with live music on two stages, food and crafts booths, beer garden and more. Ski to Sea attracts not only high-caliber athletes, but teams seeking non-competitive adventure and fun.

The Ski to Sea Race is held on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend every year. The Ski to Sea Junior Race is the weekend prior to Memorial Day weekend (Saturday at Lake Padden); the Ski to Sea Junior Parade is the evening before (Friday). The Ski to Sea Blossomtime Parade is held Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, as is the Ski to Sea Block Party at Boundary Bay Brewery. The Fairhaven Festival is held near the finish line, during the Ski to Race on the Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend.Â Race: Throughout county; Fairhaven Festival: 10th Street & Mill Avenue, Bellingham | May 28, 2017

June

The Farmers Day Parade is a long-standing tradition honoring the economic and social impact of the agriculture industry on the community of Lynden and its surrounding area. A parade different from many others, the Farmers Day Parade is filled with commercial, agricultural, organizational and lots of community entries. Only in Lynden can you see a procession of tractors, animals, antique cars and trucks with traditional floats, bands and a variety of childrenâ€™s entries.Â Lynden | June 2017

The purpose of the Bellingham Highland Games Association is to promote and preserve traditional Scottish Highland culture. The annual Bellingham Scottish Highland Games includes competition in piping, drumming, dancing, and athletics. It also presents Clan information, Fiddle & Harp performances, Scottish Country Dancing and more and is set into a Country Fair type atmosphere for the whole family. In the 1980’s, the event was moved to Ferndaleâ€™s Hovander Homestead Park, one of the most beautiful of the Whatcom County Parks. Over the years, attendance has grown in participants and spectators, and the quality of the cultural displays and the excellence of competition has just gotten better. Donâ€™t miss this great two-day event.Â Ferndale | June 2017

Lummi Stommish Water Festival â€“ Lummi Reservation

The Lummi Stommish Water Festival began back in 1946, when World War II veterans were coming home and Lummi World War I veterans decided to gather in celebration of their safe return. Stommish is a Cowichan word meaning “warrior,â€ť and it has become an international renowned gathering which includes the “War Canoe races,” a “Sla-hal Bone Game” tournament, and an “Honoring All Veterans” Pow Wow. Stommish is a multi-cultural contemporary Coast Salish gathering which includes fun and enjoyment for the whole family. This annual event features: athletic events, traditional singing and dancing, a traditional Lummi-Style Salmon Barbeque, a carnival and a moonlight concert series featuring Native comedians & local musicians all throughout the weekend. Admission is free and Stommish is open to the public. Lummi Nation | June 2017

Wander the Fairhaven Historic District on the longest Friday evening of the year and take in a variety of local art exhibitions and demonstrations featured in many of Fairhaven’s galleries, shops and restaurants.Â Fairhaven Historic District, Bellingham | June 16, 2017

July

Under the direction of maestro Michael Palmer, the Bellingham Festival Orchestra brings together principal players from major American and European orchestras and exceptional musicians from regional and national ensembles to present concerts of classical music at the highest caliber of artistic excellence.Â Performing Arts Center, Western Washington University campus, Bellingham | July 1 – 21, 2017

Each year, the Port of Bellingham partners with Haggen FoodÂ and Pharmacy and theÂ Bellingham / Whatcom Chamber of Commerce and Industry to put on the Haggen Family Fourth of July Festival at Zuanich Point Park. Festivities run from 1:00 pm toÂ 10:00 pm, ending with anÂ evening fireworks show over Bellingham BayÂ atÂ around 10:30 pm. Activities include: art and photo display in theÂ Squalicum Boathouse, arts and crafts, beer garden, kids zone, live music and vendors for food.Â Zuanich Point Park,Â Bellingham | July 4, 2017

Come spend the day celebrating the 4th of July in Blaine with day-long activities that include a pancake breakfast, a parade at noon, an art & crafts fair with over 80 vendors, a show & shine, live entertainment, and plenty of good food.Â Downtown Blaine | July 4, 2017

Downtown Sounds is a series of free outdoor concerts for the entire family to enjoy. The event is celebrated in the Arts District of Bellingham, on the 1300 block of Bay Street. Each night will feature performances from popular bands and music from various genres, local food vendors, and a 21+ beverage garden.Â Downtown Bellingham | Every Wednesday July – August 2017

July is National Raspberry Month and at the peak of the summer harvest season Lynden hosts the Northwest Raspberry Festival, filled with delicious family-friendly fun!Â Savor fresh raspberry sundaes on locally-produced ice cream, listen to live jazz, sidewalk shop and taste in downtown Lynden.Â Kids activities include inflatable games, face painting, a Rookies 3-on-3 basketball tournament, and Very Berry Storytime at the Lynden Library.Â Annual Curt Maberry Memorial Classic 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament.Â Raspberry pancake breakfast at the Lynden Community Center, followed by a 5K fun run/walk, Razz & Shine car show, and wine tasting at Samson Estates located on a working raspberry farm.Â Lynden | July 2017

Pioneer Park is the spotlight of this annual community celebration in Ferndale, occurring the last weekend of July. Ferndale Heritage Society volunteers open the parkâ€™s historic cabins for public viewing. The overall event is organized by the Old Settlerâ€™s Association. It includes a parade, baseball tournaments, crafts, food vendors, a talent show, musical entertainment, non-profit expo, flower show and beer garden. It is the longest continually running annual picnic in the state. Ferndale | July 2017

August

Learn how farming was done in the good ole days. This annual threshing bee and tractor show is held at Berthusen Park and includes threshing demonstrations, antique tractors and parades daily, steam powered saw mill demonstrations, antique & tractor pulls and more.Â Lynden | Aug. 2017

The Northwest Washington Fair is a 6 day event located in Lynden, WA.Â Highlights include local ice cream by the Whatcom County Diary Women, draft horse competitions, livestock judging, food and craft displays, a Demolition Derby and nightly entertainment in the grandstands.Â Northwest Washington Fairgrounds, Lynden | Aug. 14-17, 2017

Chuckanut Classic (formerly know as Chuckanut Century)Â is hosted every each yearÂ by the Mt Baker Bicycle Club. There are distance options including 25, 50, 62, 100, and the double-metric century of 124 miles. All versions begin at Boundary Bay Brewery in downtown Bellingham. Riders may then choose to travel either north to Birch Bay or south along scenic Chuckanut Drive past Samish Bay and Padilla Bay. Bellingham | Aug. 27, 2017

Birch Bay Discovery Days is a great weekend for the entire family. Fun activities abound with a grand parade down Birch Bay Drive, arts and crafts fair (Saturday & Sunday) and a variety of food vendors. There’s plenty of more to do this day; kite flying on the beach, clamming, wake boarding and lots of family fun. Birch Bay | Aug. 27 – 28, 2016

September

Whatcom County Farm Tour is an annual event where over a dozen farms around Whatcom County open their doors to the public. The farm tour is a festive day of fresh flavors and local food explorations. See the bounty of Whatcom County on this free, family friendly self-guided tour. Enjoy leisure strolls through fields and orchards, exciting interactive activities and the chance to discover the roots of abundant food grown in Northwest Washington. Choose a favorite few stops or be ambitious and hit them all. Held the second Saturday of September and organized by Sustainable Connections. Whatcom County | Sept. 10, 2016

The Traverse is a multi-sport event for solo, tandem and relay teams. The event has a strong salmon theme running through it. Participants, aka Spawners, are encouraged to â€śThink Like Fishâ€ť as they go through the course. This is a community event that displays a wide range of athletic abilities from the hard-core to those out in costumes just for fun. The public is encouraged to come out and cheer on the Spawners. The event starts at noon at the Bellingham Farmers Market and makes itâ€™s way through Boulevard Park, Fairhaven, Lake Padden, around Lake Samish, to Fairhaven and Marine Park. Finishers complete the last leg together up Wharf Street to finish at Boundary Bay. The Bellingham Traverse Course includes a 5.5 mi. Greenways Run, 6 mi. Mountain Bike, 18 mi. Road Bike, 3.4 mi. Trail Run, 3.6 mi. Paddle, 0.65 mi. Team TREK to the finish. Bellingham | Sept. 17, 2016

Often called â€śthe most beautiful marathon in the Pacific Northwest,â€ť the Bellingham Bay Marathon offers scenic courses, with views of Bellingham Bay, San Juan islands, and North Cascade mountains. Whatcom County | Sept. 25, 2016

October

The Whatcom Artist Studio TourÂ brings the public into artists’ working studios for a two weekend, self-guided tour and sale.Â The Tour began with ten artists and has grown to be a well orchestrated tour featuring over 50 artists working in more than a dozen different media, and featuring 41 studios scattered throughout Bellingham and Whatcom County. The tour includes both emerging and established area artists. Each studio features the work of the primary artist, and some may include additional artists as well, providing a unique and compelling variety of artwork. Whatcom County | Oct. 1-2Â and 8-9, 2016

Cloud Mountain Farm Centerâ€™s Fall Fruit Festival is an annual event that has been held for over 20 years. They have close to 200 varieties of common and uncommon fruits, cider, nuts, plus rare fruit jellies and sauces for you to taste and enjoy. These are all fruits you can grow in NW Washington. Live music provides a pleasant background to this event. This is a festive family outing that many people annually attend. Everson | Oct. 1 – 2, 2016

The Craft and Antique show during the Fall is at the Northwest Washington Fairgrounds. Over 100 artisans. Enjoy shopping for that special handcrafted gift or unique vintage treasure for your home. Have lunch or a latte in the cafe while enjoying ongoing entertainment. Lynden |Oct. 13 – 15, 2016

November

Allied Arts Festival of the Arts (through December)

The Annual Holiday Festival of the Arts is a six week-long (mid-Nov-Dec) festival featuring the work of over one hundred local artisans and craftspeople. The affordable handmade products range from jewelry to paintings to wearable art to specialty foods. Weekends are packed with activities; hear live local music, catch some artists in action, and bring the kids in for fun art projects. Bellingham

The Historic Fairhaven Holiday Festival is a month-long celebration featuring weekend activities that include longer shopping hours, Christmas lights and activities for the whole family. It kicks off on the day after Thanksgiving, when Black Friday morning turns into a glittering Friday evening in Bellinghamâ€™s Fairhaven Historic District and the Victorian-era streets of Fairhaven are officially lit with thousands of tiny lights. The Festival begins with an evening Art Walk through the districtâ€™s unique shops. Jingle bells and the familiar clop of hooves set the tone each Saturday in Fairhaven, (end of Nov-Dec), as shoppers and families enjoy free horse-drawn wagon rides through city blocks built in the 1800s, as well as appearances by Santa at the Fairhaven Village Inn. Fairhaven | Nov. 25 – Dec. 20, 2016

December

The annual Holiday Port Festival is the first weekend in December and takes place at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal in the historic Fairhaven district. It features performances by local choirs, orchestras, bands and dance groups. There are lots of free family activities, including horse drawn wagon rides, childrenâ€™s art activities, complimentary gingerbread cookies and cider to name a few. Santa and Mrs. Claus will also be around. Meanwhile, sugar plum fairies transform the Bellingham Cruise Terminal into a sweet Gingerbread House contest during the first weekend of December. Categories range from youth to professional bakers. Previous entries have created miniature versions of the Space Needle, Santaâ€™s stable, and even the Washington State Capitol. Bellingham | Dec. 2 – 4, 2016

Bring your sweet tooth to celebrate Olde Fashioned Christmas in Ferndale during the first weekend of December. The city is home to Pioneer Park, featuring a collection of actual log cabins built by the first settlers to the region in the late 1800s. Each year, members of the Ferndale Heritage Society spend weeks decorating the cabins for the holidays as the pioneers would have done, then don period costumes to welcome visitors with traditional holiday cheer. Try homemade applesauce in a pioneer kitchen, write a letter to Santa in the one-room school house and mail it in the historic post office, sing carols on aÂ horse and wagon ride, and of course enjoy a warm treat. Ferndale | Dec. 2 – 4, 2016

Lyndenâ€™s 21st annual holiday celebrationÂ begins at 6:00pm on the first Saturday of December with the beloved Lighted Christmas Parade. This event captures the ultimate charm of a farming community, as well as honoring Lyndenâ€™s Dutch roots. John Deere tractors, farm equipment, milk trucks, fire trucks, and antique cars are all wrapped in Christmas lights and joyfully paraded through town as onlookers clap and cheer. The processionÂ starts at Fairway Center and travels along Front Street throughout downtown Lynden. Visitors should bundle up in warm clothes and bring their own hot cocoa and lawn chairs! In addition, donâ€™t forget to take a tour of unique light displays & decorated storefronts throughout the city during Lynden in Lights; illuminated designs including Nativity sets, Dutch children, poinsettias, and windmills shine brightly throughout the holiday season for all to see. Lynden | Dec. 3, 2016

Celebrating the transition of the New Year,Â the community of Birch Bay presents two unique activities. On December 31, the Annual Ring of Fire & Hope take place after dark. The crescent-shaped shoreline of the bay is lit with hundreds of road flares to signify hope for the coming year. On January 1, at noon, the Annual Birch Bay Polar Bear Plunge, promises to wake up participants with a quick jump into the bayâ€™s frigid and refreshing water. Birch Bay | Dec. 31, 2016